Bringing audio to life

Jeremy Mims, Ginger Neal and Chrissy Towle

Posted
Friday, February 2, 2018 12:00 am

The rise of audio (particularly smart speakers) is the most important new trend in the local news ecosystem. Do you want to learn how to create content, build audiences and make money on Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant/Home and Apple Siri/HomePod? Come to the Mega-Conference, Feb. 26-28 in San Diego!

"Smart speaker platforms are growing faster than the iPod, the iPhone and the internet itself," says Mims. "If media companies act right now, they can have a real seat at the table to decide the future of Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant/Home and Apple Siri/HomePod."

Neal says, "People not looking at screens is one of the largest new opportunities for publishers. As people become more and more connected throughout the day, audio emerges as an ideal way to serve audiences in a new format." She said establishing daily listening habits with audiences ties into the San Francisco Chronicle's overall strategy and provides new unique opportunities for clients.

Jeremy Mims is an entrepreneur, international speaker and local media advocate. He currently runs strategy at SpokenLayer, the leader in voice experiences for Amazon Alexa, Google Home and emerging voice platforms. SpokenLayer is backed by The Guardian, Graham Holdings, Betaworks, North Base Media and a number of other prestigious investors across a variety of disciplines. Previously, he co-founded OwnLocal, which now works with more than 3,500 local media companies. Separately, he invests in and advises other media and technology-related companies.

Ginger Neal is vice president of digital sales and operations at the San Francisco Chronicle. She is responsible for driving revenue through new strategies, business models and modern tactics. Previously, she served as CRO of the Post Bulletin; headed the turnaround as president of Lion Heart Digital agency; and, as CEO, launched and funded ModeStyle, an ecommerce solution for manufacturers. Her career began at the Orange County Register where she launched new business, including ocregister.com in 1995. She has held a variety of board positions, including PAFET, ZIP2 and Infoseek.

Chrissy Towle is a Google veteran having just entered her 13th year at Google. She currently leads the News & Local Media team, working with the largest publishing partners in the U.S. Her team facilitates and strategizes with those partners to ensure optimal use of Google products to drive maximum revenue and profitability.

So Many Options to Choose From at Mega!The 2018 Mega-Conference will have more than three dozen sessions for attendees to choose from – offering an array of professional development opportunities with something for everyone.

Learn about TEAM DISCOUNTS for newspapers that bring more than one person to the conference.

Most of the attendees are owners, publishers, digital officers or revenue officers of media operations with both print and digital assets, serving their local communities. A sizable trade show is associated with the conference.